Four herders from the same family were killed when gunmen raided a cattle camp in Agu-Ifite, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Victims Identified as Brothers
The deceased were identified as Mohammed Bujumi, Hassan Bujumi, Abubakar Bujumi, and Sani Bujumi, all brothers from the same family. The cattle camp belongs to Alhaji Aminu Mohammed.
A statement from the National Deputy Director-General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, disclosed that several cattle were also killed during the attack. The association said unknown armed assailants invaded the cattle camp while the herders were peacefully carrying out their legitimate cattle-rearing activities. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, neutralizing four herders.
Attack Details and Aftermath
MACBAN further stated that several cattle were slaughtered during the attack, while the assailants reportedly fled with some of the cattle carcasses towards the nearby Mgbakwu Community. One herder, Usman Iliyasu, narrowly escaped the attack.
“MACBAN strongly condemns this heinous and senseless attack and calls on all relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and bring them to justice,” Siddiki said. He also appealed to the Anambra State Government to take urgent steps to strengthen security and protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
“We sincerely appreciate the prompt response of the Joint Task Force and the Anambra State Government for their swift intervention and efforts in recovering the bodies of the deceased. Their timely action is commendable and demonstrates their commitment to maintaining peace and security,” he added. Siddiki advised all MACBAN members to remain calm, stay within their camps, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Police Confirm Attack, Launch Investigation
One herder who spoke with Daily Trust at the B Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Awka said the victims were attacked at Ifite, near Miracle Junction, in Ifite Awka. He said the attackers fled after encountering superior military firepower. Before the security team arrived, the gunmen had already begun butchering the cattle.
The spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack and condemned what he described as a gruesome attack on a residential settlement in the hinterland of Agu-Ifite, Awka. According to him, the Commissioner of Police ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Police-led Joint Security Team operatives responded promptly to the scene following a distress call. Ikenga disclosed that the team found four cows lying lifeless within the vicinity, while two others had been slaughtered and portions of the meat removed by the attackers.
“The Anambra State Police Command has condemned the gruesome attack on a residential settlement in the hinterland of Agu-Ifite, Awka, which occurred in the early hours of today 21st July 2026 and has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible,” the statement read.
“Operatives of the Police-led Joint Security team responded to the scene following a distress report. On arrival, four male victims with fatal injuries were discovered. Preliminary observations revealed that the victims had their hands tied and sustained multiple injuries, including machete cuts and blunt force trauma. Two residential huts within the settlement were set ablaze during the attack. The Police further observed four dead cows within the vicinity, while two other cattle had been slaughtered, with portions of the meat removed by the assailants. Some sacks containing abandoned chunks of meat were recovered a short distance from the scene. Further findings indicate that the attackers were armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns, and machetes. One of the survivors of the attack escaped unharmed and is assisting the Police-led joint security team with useful information in their investigation.”
The Anambra State Police Command extended condolences to the families of the residential community settlement through the Sarkin Fulani. The Command urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.
